I’ve been discharged from Rehab. My surgeon will be pulling out the surgical stables later today so I should be more comfortable after that’s done (the staples are starting to pinch). My gastric system, which was shut down by the anesthesia and narcotic pain killers, is back up and running. I’m walking around with a cane. I have a PT session scheduled for Monday. I have about a month and a half to recuperate before the Fall Semester begins. Life is Good.
For those of you who contemplate Major Surgery, my advice is to expect the unexpected. My total knee replacement surgery when perfectly. Yet, who knew I would be affected by ileus where I had an NG2 tube put down my nose into my stomach to suck out four quarts of gunk. And then I had an upper GI X-ray where I had to drink a goopy, oily concoction that would reveal if I had an blockages (I didn’t). But the witch’s brew started up my excretory system so I’m grateful for that.
I learned something I’ve always suspected: narcotics are Evil. In my case, the narcotic pain killers caused more problems than the surgery itself. Avoid them! I’m managing my pain with Tylenol. And exercise.
Diane supported me during this adventure in SurgeryLand. She made sure I was getting the best care while I was struggling. Diane kept friends and family informed of my progress. She is a gem.
Thank you all for your kind wishes and goodies. I’m glad to be back to blogging!
Good to hear.
Thanks, Jerry!
Excellent!
Four Quarts of Gunk would be a good name for a rock band, by the way…or a description of most Nicolas Cage movies.
Diane was completely grossed out watching the gunk traveling from the tube in my nose to the container, Jeff. I had the advantage of being drugged during the process.
Welcome back! I concur with your comment about narcotics. The last time I had surgery, I was given one of those buttons you can push everytime you have pain. Turned out I pressed the darn thing 79 times (I didn’t even remember pressing it two-thirds of the time). Of course, they couldn’t actually give me 79 doses of narcotic (thank God!), but I bet if they could (and charge me for it), they would have.
The nurses kept searching for that “pain button,” Deb. As soon as they left my room, I’d hide the button in the spaghetti of tubing on the IV tree. But I had narcotic pain-killers through the IVs as part of the post-op protocols. Couldn’t do anything about that.
You make it sound a bit less harrowing than it actually was, I’m sure. Glad you’re doing well now. It’s good to have someone like Diane taking care of you!
Good care-takers are rare, Bill. Diane is one of the best.
Although virtual George was very compliant to have around, we are glad to have the real thing kicking his leg up.
Glad you enjoyed the virtual George, Patti. The Real George was in a world of misery with that gastric shut-down. I’m really happy to be home and recovering.
George, glad to read that things are getting better for you.
Thankfully, my experiences with narcotics have been mostly positive. In fact, I consider them something of a blessing. They worked when needed, and for me at least, with minimal side effects.
Of course, opiates are very powerful drugs, and as such, they can be dangerous. Your tale is certainly an edifying one, and gives one pause. Guess you won’t be getting the other knee done any time soon.
I’ll see how the recovery for this left knee replacement goes, Drongo. So far, so good. If things continue to progress satisfactorily, I’ll consider getting a new right knee in June 2012.
Glad you didn’t have that Other famous result of opioids, the blockages. Both my oldest friend (longest-term friend, like myself 46) and my father have “enjoyed” similar results of the anesthetic rather than the surgery…
Glad to hear you’re doing so well, George, but I completely disagree with you on the benefits of drugs. I love them! Since I’m allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen, super duper Tylenol and hydrocodone are my saviors. Right now I limit their use to weekends and the very occasional evening but, as I get older, I’ll appreciate the availability more. And was there any doubt that Diane would be an outstanding caregiver?
When I was on those narcotics, Beth, I could not read. The text just swam around and I couldn’t focus. Yes, the narcotics took the pain away, but they left me befuddled. And they shut down my gastric system. Not Fun. Yes, Diane took very good care of me during this whole adventure.
Glad you’re recovering, getting somewhat mobile and well enough to get back on the computer/iPad. Good to have you back! I have it on the very best medical authority that chocolate cake is the best treatment for you quick recovery. Dig in.
Thanks for the encouragement, Rick. I’m still working on getting my glucose numbers back to normal. After the knee surgery, my glucose spiked to 303. Not Good. But over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been able to get my numbers back under control. I’m still a little on the high side.
Good to know you’re recovering apace. You’ll be doing a vigorous buck-and-wing again any day now. I have to say that I’m amazed at how quickly you’re healing. The cut my shoulder seven months ago and I’m still not 100%. On the other hand, I enjoyed my drugs just fine.
Narcotics slow everything down, Bob, including healing. And, in my case, the anesthesia and narcotics shut my whole gastric system down. I hope I never have to endure that again, but it’s always a risk with any future surgeries.
Glad you are on the mend. I always found that aspirin worked better for me for pain relief – but the first three days after hip replacement surgery were the worst of my life – they only give you the least effective codeine for the pain as you are up and walking within an hour after waking up from surgery.
You have my sympathies, Stan. The narcotics in the IV bundles effectively suppressed my pain after the surgery. I literally didn’t feel any pain at all. Now that I have the staples removed, my discomfort should recede even more. I’m now on 325 mg aspirin daily with Tylenol as needed. I’m walking around with a cane so mobility is improving.
I’m sorry you had to go through that George, but glad to hear you are recovering. We miss you and hope to see you when the Fall semester starts. Keep healing and we’ll see you soon!
Thanks, Sue! Getting one knee replaced takes so much out of you. I don’t know how people can have both knees done at the same time! I’m making steady progress. Hopefully, I’ll be able to stop in and visit you and John in a few weeks.